Numark NS7 - turntable

Without question, though, the coolest features on the Numark NS7 are the two motorized, 7-inch turntables. They do an outstanding job of emulating the control and feel of working with vinyl, except you don't need to worry about worn needles or skipping tone arms.

Numark NS7 - laptop stand

The NS7's integrated laptop stand is a unique feature that connects to the back of the system. The stand can be disconnected for transportation, or if you prefer not to have your laptop cantilevered over the floor.

Serato ITCH software

The Serato Itch software that comes bundled with the Numark NS7 is the same program used by the Vestax VCI-300. Essentially, Itch is a competent, yet slightly stripped-down version of the popular Serato Scratch Live program, and should appeal to DJs who prefer stability and simplicity over tricks and effects.

Serato Itch

Our favorite feature of the Serato Itch is the audio waveform view, which is colorized to distinguish high-frequency sounds (snare drums) from low-frequency sounds (bass drums), making it easier to visually align two beats to fall in sync.

Numark NS7 - front

The front of the Numark NS7 offers quarter-inch and 3.5mm headphone jacks with adjustable volume, as well as connections for a microphone or RCA line audio source. In the middle, you'll find a selection of controls to fine-tune the NS7's crossfader.

Numark NS7 - real, motorized turntables

Without question, though, the coolest feature on the Numark NS7 are the two motorized, 7-inch turntables. They do an outstanding job of emulating the control and feel of working with vinyl, except you don't need to worry about worn needles or skipping tone arms.

Numark NS7

Among the more interesting features on the NS7 are these light switch-style controls for reversing the audio. Switched up into Bleep mode, the currently playing audio is heard in reverse to obscure profanity, but resumes naturally once switched back into the center position. When switched down, the entire turntable is thrown into reverse, taking the audio and the song position backward.

Numark NS7

The top center section of the NS7 includes controls for navigating and selecting songs from the Serato Itch software, without touching your laptop. The large rotary control at top can also be pushed to make selections.

Numark NS7

Numark NS7

Despite what you may think, the key to turning the NS7's turntable movements into digital control rests in the center spindle, which spins independently of the turntable platter. Each of the included vinyl record spindles include a locking metal screw that clamps onto the spindle, allowing record movements to translate into control data.

Numark NS7

Numark NS7 - serviceable, swapable faders

Here's another advantage of the Numark NS7 over the competition--components like volume faders and crossfaders are meant to be repairable and replaceable. The crossfader used in the NS7 is a Numark CP-Pro, which uses a conductive polymer to track movements.